Bundy takes next step, will play in AFL

Dylan Bundy had a quick rise to the Majors, but the journey back to the mound after Tommy John surgery has taken a little longer.

However, with a trip to Arizona, he appears to be making a big step forward.

According to MLB.com, the Orioles' second-ranked prospect will pitch for the Peoria Javelinas in the Fall League after not appearing in a game since May.

Bundy underwent the surgery in June 2013 and returned to action a year later. MLB.com's No. 64 overall prospect threw 41 1/3 innings over nine starts for Class A Advanced Frederick and Class A Short Season Aberdeen.

Starting the 2015 campaign with Double-A Bowie, Bundy went 0-3 and posted a 3.68 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 22 innings spanning eight starts. He stopped pitching on May 21 and on June 29 -- almost exactly two years after his Tommy John surgery -- the 22-year-old was shut down for the season with right shoulder soreness.

Earlier this month, Dr. James Andrews cleared him to begin throwing in Sarasota, Florida and now he will take on live hitters in the AFL. The campaign will give the Orioles -- and other teams -- a better look at Bundy before he heads to Spring Training. Because the Oklahoma native is out of options, if he doesn't break camp with Baltimore, he will be open to waivers.